The Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), the local arm of the United Nations Global Compact, has elected a new set of officers for 2026–2027.
Leading the new board is PLDT chief sustainabilty officer Melissa Vergel de Dios as chairman. She will be joined by Globe Telecom sustainability head Apple Evangelista as vice chair. Other officers include major general Restituto Padilla as secretary, Leo Lagon as treasurer, Dr. Sharon Jean Gulmatico as vice president for participant relations, and Sarah Bergado as vice president for marketing.
The new leadership aims to strengthen private sector involvement in sustainability efforts and help the Philippines contribute more to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
GCNP said it plans to take a more active role in guiding companies, including small and medium enterprises, in integrating sustainable practices into their operations. It will also offer more training, networking, and access to global standards.
The organization is also looking to build stronger partnerships between Philippine businesses and UN agencies to speed up progress in key areas such as climate action, gender equality, fair wages, water resilience, and sustainable finance.
UN resident coordinator in the Philippines Arnaud Peral welcomed the new board and expressed support for deeper collaboration between GCNP and UN agencies in the country.
GCNP is part of the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary initiative of companies committed to upholding principles on human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption while advancing the SDGs.
